This document summarizes and reflects preliminary results of pedestrian and bicyclist counts at eight locations in Columbia, MO. These counts provide a snapshot of annual changes in walking and bicycling in the community. Data collection and evaluation are a key component of the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP) program; these locations will be counted every year from 2007-2010.

The chart shows bicycle and pedestrian activity on one weekday between 4 PM and 6 PM and one weekend between 12 PM and 2 PM in November 2007 and September 2008. These locations will be studied again in the fall of 2009 and 2010. Note that daily pedestrian and bicyclist activity levels do fluctuate and these data represent only one date in each year.

Bicyclist and Pedestrian Counts 2007 and 2008

Observations from 2007 to 2008:

Weekdays: 34% increase in pedestrians, 108% increase in bicyclists

Weekends: 11% decrease in pedestrians, 34% decrease in bicyclists

The locations were dispersed throughout the community. Six of the locations were chosen for their proximity to future NTPP project sites. These projects, which have not yet been constructed, are:

Intersection Repairs (two locations)

Trail Connectors (one location)

Bike Lanes (five locations)

Bike Routes (four locations)

"Pedway" design (one location)

The construction of these and the dozens of other projects planned for Columbia will likely increase nonmotorized transportation levels in the community as they are completed and for years to come.

Section 1807 of the Safe, Accountable Flexible Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users established the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP) in August 2005. Over the span of four years (2007-2010), the legislation authorizes $25 million for each of the NTPP's four pilot communities to construct and invest in nonmotorized transportation infrastructure and programs. The purpose of the NTPP is "to demonstrate the extent to which bicycling and walking can carry a significant part of the transportation load, and represent a major portion of the transportation solution, within selected communities."